RELEASE OF PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

House Bill 4606

Sponsor:  Rep. Stephen F. Adamini

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 10-17-05

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4606 AS INTRODUCED 4-13-05

The bill would amend the Public Health Code.  Currently, the code prohibits a health care facility (i.e., a hospital or nursing home) from giving a copy of a patient's or resident's medical record to a third party without prior authorization from the patient or resident.  The bill would retain this restriction on the release of a person's medical information except as otherwise permitted under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

The code also allows a patient or resident to refuse the release of personal and medical records to a person outside the health facility or agency except as required because of a transfer to another health care facility or as required by law or third party payment contract.  The bill would also allow the release of these records as permitted under HIPPA or regulations promulgated under the provisions of HIPPA.

MCL 333.20201

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4606, as introduced, does not have any fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Margaret Alston

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.